Images show scale of devastation as flash floods kill dozens in eastern Spain

LAST UPDATE | 19 hrs ago

STRIKING IMAGES OF one of the worst extreme weather events to hit Spain in a generation have emerged over the past 24 hours, with the deaths of 72 people confirmed.

They show how different parts of southern and eastern Spain have been affected, with streets flooded and cars piled up after being swept away by rising waters.

Rainstorms that arrived yesterday caused a river to overflow its banks in the town of Alora in Malaga, seen below.

Floods of mud-coloured water could be seen throughout streets in the city of Valencia.

Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars.

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Valencian regional president Carlos Mazon urged people to stay at home so as not to complicate rescue efforts, with travel by road already difficult due to fallen trees and wrecked vehicles.

The cleanup began for some locals but there are warnings that the severe weather is not yet over.

As individuals try to salvage their homes, clean-up efforts are also ongoing on streets to try to clear away the floodwaters.

However, it will take time for the extent of the damage to be assessed and recovered from.

The city of Jerez in the Cadiz province was also among the affected areas.

Additional reporting by Lauren Boland

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